The next morning Tripp walked in Beca's hospital room and found her and Jesse asleep in her bed. The sight of his baby girl in the arms of a man was hard to see, however, he knew he couldn't have picked a better man for his daughter to be involved with. She looked so tiny laying there with her head on Jesse's chest. Jesse was a good guy; he came from a good family, he had good roots, morals, values and most importantly, Tripp never doubted Jesse's love or feelings for Beca. It was evident every time Jesse looked at her. His love for Beca oozed out of his pores. Tripp stood watching over them for several minutes before he cleared his throat to wake them.
Jesse tightened his grip on Beca and kissed her forehead. Beca rubbed her eyes and as she opened them, she started pushing away from Jesse. "Dad!" she said sitting bolt upright in the bed.
"Hi baby." He smiled at her. "How are you feeling this morning?"
"Umm, I'm ok I think." She said poking Jesse to get him to wake up.
"Bec, I don't want to wake up yet." Jesse said mumbling.
"Jess…my dad's here." She said poking him. Jesse shot up. He thought they'd be awake before her dad arrived with their clothes and the keys to the truck. Damn! Why didn't he set an alarm? Of course, he should have known that waking up wouldn't be easy, especially after having had such a rough night. After showering, Beca woke twice during the night with nightmares and had taken a while to settle back down after each one.
"Jesse… it's ok." Tripp told him.
"Dad…"
Tripp put his hand up to stop her, "Beca, I said it's ok. I'm ok with y'all being together."
Beca couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You are?"
"Beca, all I want is for you to be happy. That's all I've ever wanted."
"Tripp, please let us explain." Jesse asked.
Tripp again raised his hand, "Jesse, there's really no need. I've had my suspicions about y'all for some time. I was hoping you'd eventually come talk to me about it when you were ready but circumstances have forced your hand."
"You have?" Beca realized that for the first time her dad was saying everything she wanted to hear but she was having trouble believing this was in fact real.
Tripp nodded. "When we were talking about the Luke situation awhile back, you said Jesse was your best friend. Then you said something not long after about wanting to marry your best friend. That's when I knew for sure."
"Oh. It's that obvious huh?"
"It wasn't at first, but it is now."
"Tripp, I'm sorry we lied. We thought it was for the best." Jesse confessed. "For what it's worth, we were going to tell you."
"Jesse, after what I did by agreeing to let Beca marry Luke, I have no right to judge. I don't blame either of you for not telling me. I lied to Beca for 18 years, I just hope she'll forgive me one day."
"Daddy, I do forgive you." she said reaching up and hugging her dad around the neck. "You weren't much more than a kid yourself when you made that stupid agreement."
"What did I do that was so wonderful to have been blessed with such a beautiful, loving, forgiving daughter?"
Beca blushed. "Dad, don't you have somewhere to be?"
"Oh shoot.. yeah, I do. Your mom, Nora and Charlie are waiting in the car." He said kissing her forehead. "I'll see you later."
"Love you Dad."
"Love you too!"
Tripp walked out of the room and Jesse finally started breathing again. "Well, that was sufficiently awkward." He said scratching the back of his neck.
"True... but look at it this way, we don't have to hide anymore."
"You're right... no more hiding."
"I wonder when the doctor will be coming in to check on me?" Beca asked.
"I'm sure he'll be in soon. Are you feeling ok?" Jesse looked at her with concern.
"Yeah. I'm just ready to blow this popsicle stand."
"Popsicle stand?"
Snuggling into Jesse's side she said, "Yeah... it's colder than a witches tit in a brass bra in here!"
Jesse laughed as he too snuggled in and threw blankets over both of them. "For now, how 'bout we nap?" He got no response, as Beca had already nodded off. It wasn't long before he too was sleeping peacefully.
Natchitoches Parish Courthouse
Judge Jude T. Arceneaux's Court Room
"All rise." the bailiff bellowed. "The Honorable Judge Jude T. Arceneaux presiding." Everyone stood as Judge Arceneaux walked in and took his seat on the bench.
"You may all be seated." he said. Turning to the bailiff he asked, "What's on the docket this morning Rusty?"
Rusty looked at the docket, "Your Honor, this a bail hearing for Mr. Lucas James Babineaux." Rusty said as he handed Judge Arceneaux the file.
Judge Arceneaux took a few moments to look over the record, shook his head and smirked before he addressed the court, "Let the record show that District Attorney Robert Gambino is present and representing the State of Louisiana, Miss. Rebeca Faith Robicheaux and Mr. Jesse Thomas Toussaint. Also present is Mr. John Breaux on behalf of the Robicheaux and Toussaint families and last but not least, Mr. Edward Williams, attorney for Mr. Lucas James Babineaux. Is that everyone?"
All parties nodded in agreement. Judge Arceneaux looked at Rusty and said, "Bring in the defendant."
Everyone turned their heads to watch as Luke was walked into the courtroom by one of the parish jailers. He was wearing a bright orange prison jumpsuit with the words Natchitoches Parish Prison written in bold letters across his back, standard issue socks and slide on shoes. He was also sporting chains and shackles on his ankles as well as a chain around his waist that was attached to the cuffs around his wrists. He looked awful, pitiful actually.
"Good morning Mr. Babineaux." the Judge said with a smirk. "Looks like someone had a rough night."
"Judge Arceneaux, I'd like to request that my client be relieved of his cuffs and shackles while in the courtroom." Mr. Williams asked.
"Request denied." Judge Arceneaux bellowed. "Now, Mr. Gambino, why don't you tell me why we're here this morning."
As he stood, Mr. Gambino fastened the button on his suit coat and said, "Thank you your honor. Please let the record show that we're here today because Mr. Babineaux is accused of Attempted Forcible Rape, Oral Sexual Battery, Sexual Battery, Aggravated Battery and Aggravated 2nd Degree Battery. These accused crimes were committed against Miss. Rebeca Faith Robicheaux and Mr. Jesse Thomas Toussaint."
"And where are Miss. Robicheaux and Mr. Toussaint this morning?" Judge Arceneaux asked.
"Your Honor, Miss. Robicheaux and Mr. Toussaint were taken via ambulance to the hospital last night due to injuries sustained during the attack."
"Very well. Go on Mr. Gambino."
"Your Honor, considering the severity of the crimes committed and the funds at Mr. Babineaux's disposal, we're asking that he be held without bail."
"THAT'S SUCH BULLSHIT!" Luke stood, yelling in the direction of Mr. Gambino.
"Mr. Williams! You have about 10 seconds to gain control of your client before I throw his butt in solitary confinement!"
Mr. Williams turned to speak to Luke. Through gritted teeth he said, "You need to sit your ass down. I'm trying my best to get your sorry ass out of jail but your little outburst sure as shit isn't helping."
"They want me held without bail Eddie."
"And they are within their rights to ask the court to do that and after your outburst I wouldn't blame the judge if he granted their request."
"Eddie, I think you've forgotten who you work for." Luke barked.
"I know exactly who I work for -"
"Mr. Williams, are you and your client quite through chatting like a couple of teenage girls?"
Mr. Williams stood up adjusting his suit, "Yes, your honor."
"Thank you." Judge Arceneaux said folding his hands in front of him. "Now, where were we? Mr. Gambino..."
"Thank you. As I was saying Your Honor, the State requests that Mr. Babineaux be held without bail."
"Your Honor!" Mr. Williams yelled as he stood, "That's ridiculous! My client has never -"
"Mr. Williams! What's ridiculous is that you're standing there yelling at me in my own court room after you were reprimanded for your client doing the same thing. You should know by now to leave your attitude on the courthouse steps and your temper at the door!"
"Sorry Your Honor."
"Now, Mr. Williams, do you want to try that again? Or am I basing my decision on your outburst?"
"Your Honor, my client, Mr. Babineaux" he said motioning toward Luke, "has never had anything more than a speeding ticket. I think it's quite presumptuous to assume that because his family is well off that he's going to jump bail and skip town. We implore the court to set bail so that Mr. Babineaux can be with his family while he awaits trial."
"Judge Arceneaux, you should know that Mr. Babineaux has a history of violence. Not long ago, he attacked Mr. Toussaint at the county fair. This event was caught on video and was witnessed by everyone within ear shot. If I may approach the bench, I'll provide you with the police report, witness statements and a copy of the video."
Judge Arceneaux motioned for Mr. Gambino toward the bench. "I'm going to call a recess so that I can look this over. Let's all meet back here in 30 minutes. Rusty, please take Mr. Babineaux back to the holding cell."
"All rise." Rusty said as the Judge stood up. When the Judge was safely in his chambers, Rusty made his way over to Luke and walked him back to the holding cell.
"What happens now?" Tripp asked Mr. Gambino.
"Now we wait. I have a feeling that Luke just helped us in a very big way."
"Oh, how so?"
"His mouth is writing checks his ass can't cash!" Mr. Gambino said with a wink. "Come on, let's go get some coffee...My treat."
Beca's Hospital Room
Memorial Medical Center
Jesse was rocking Beca after yet another nightmare. Neither of them had gotten much sleep the night before. Beca buried her face in the crook of Jesse's neck as her body trembled uncontrollably. He whispered sweet nothings in her ear as he held her tightly to his chest. When he felt her breathing settle into a normal rhythm he said, "Hey baby, that one wasn't as bad."
"Mmm hmm." Beca really didn't verbalize anything after that she just sort of hummed. Jesse recognized the tune she was humming and started singing the song to her.
"It's not the pale moon that excites me
That thrills and delights me, oh no
It's just the nearness of you
It isn't your sweet conversation
That brings this sensation, oh no
It's just the nearness of you
When you're in my arms and I feel you so close to me
All my wildest dreams came true
I need no soft lights to enchant me
If you'll only grant me the right
To hold you ever so tight
And to feel in the night the nearness of you"
They sat in silence for several minutes before Jesse asked, "Are you ready to get dressed?"
Taking a deep breath before answering, Beca said, "Yeah, I can't wait to see what my dad brought me to wear."
Jesse chuckled, kissed the top of her head and eased his way off the bed and over to the bag her dad brought earlier. Pulled the clothes out of the bag and laid them on the bed. Beca laughed because she realized that Rae had actually packed her clothes. She could tell by looking at what was placed in front of her. A tank, hoodie and yoga pants from P!NK. The only time Beca wore them was when she could hide in her room and know that no one would see what she was wearing. She didn't need attention drawn to her ass by the hot pink letters that spelled out the word P!NK across her ass. As Jesse continued to pull things out of the bag, she realized that Rae also selected the girliest bra and panties she owned as well as a pair of socks and her brand new gym shoes.
When Jesse was finished he said, "I'll step out so you can change."
"Don't be silly. You've seen it all already."
"You sure?"
"I'm positive." She looked at him very pleadingly. "Please don't leave me...please?"
Jesse quickly made his way to the side of the bed. Taking her face in his hands and kissing her lips gently, he told her, "I won't. I'm not going anywhere." Jesse helped Beca change and they were just getting back into bed when Dr. Chaney knocked and came in to check on her.
"Good morning." Dr. Chaney said as he walked in the room.
"Good morning." they both said in unison.
"Ok Jesse. We'll start with you. Let me check the back of your head." Jesse sat up so Dr. Chaney could check the stitches in the back of his head. "Ok, looks good. Lift your shirt and let me check your ribs." Jesse lifted his shirt and winced a little as Dr. Chaney poked around. He had been too concerned with taking care of Beca to worry about his own pain. "Jesse, have you been taking your pain meds?"
Lowering his shirt and wincing again, "No sir. It makes me drowsy and I've been taking care of Beca."
"Jesse, we gave you the meds for a reason. You need to take them. I'm guessing you haven't iced your ribs either?"
Looking slightly ashamed Jesse shook his head, "No sir."
"Jesse, while you are healing, it is important to cough or take the deepest breath you can at least a couple of times an hour. This will help prevent pneumonia or a partial collapse of your lung tissue. It's also a good idea to lie on your injured side. This may seem a little odd at first, but it will let you take deeper breaths."
"Ok Doc. Anything else?"
"Any shortness of breath, dizziness, headache or sleepiness?"
"I'm tired but we had a rough night."
Dr. Chaney looked between Jesse and Beca, "Rough night?"
"Beca's having nightmares about the attack." Jesse confessed.
Turning his attention to Beca, Dr. Chaney said, "Beca, given the circumstances and the trauma that you've been though, nightmares are normal. As the days and weeks wear on they'll get less and less. I'm not saying they'll go away completely, but they'll begin to become few and far between."
Beca nodded that she understood. "Dr. Chaney, when can I go home?"
"Let's give you a once over and if everything looks good we'll spring you." Dr. Chaney checked Beca from head to toe, paying special attention to bite marks and making sure they weren't showing an signs of infection. "Beca, I need to check the cuts on your hip." Beca lowered the waistband and looked away. She couldn't bear to see what Luke had done. "Beca, it looks like these cuts are superficial and won't scar. Applying antibacterial ointment and vitamin E oil will help tremendously. I want you to take your antibiotics until they're gone and your pain meds as needed."
"I'll make sure she does." Jesse to Dr. Chaney.
"Do either of you have any other questions?"
Beca and Jesse looked at each other, before Jesse answered for both of them. "Just one, when can get out of here?"
"Ok. I'll go get the discharge papers ready. You should be able to leave within the hour."
Natchitoches Parish Courthouse
Judge Jude T. Arceneaux's Court Room
"All rise." the Rusty bellowed. "The Honorable Judge Jude T. Arceneaux presiding." Everyone stood as Judge Arceneaux walked in and took his seat on the bench.
"You may all be seated." he said. Turning to the Rusty he said, "Bring Mr. Babineaux into the courtroom."
Once again Luke was walked into the courtroom and seated next to his attorney. As Mr. Williams was leaning over to speak to Luke, Judge Arceneaux cleared his throat and started talking. "Mr. Williams, I trust that your client has learned to keep his mouth shut in the last 35 minutes?"
Standing up Mr. Williams said, "Yes, your honor, I do believe he has."
The courtroom became so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Judge Arceneaux began, "I've reviewed all of the evidence and it's the opinion of this court that Mr. Babineaux remain in custody for the duration of the proceedings -"
"What a fucking crock of bullshit!" Luke yelled as he stood up.
"Rusty, take the defendant back to his holding cell." Judge Arceneaux bellowed. "Mr. Williams, you and your client are being charged with contempt of court for the repeated outbursts. You can pay the clerk before leaving today. I highly suggest you get your client under wraps otherwise you're going to owe this court quite a bit of money"
"Yes, Your Honor."
"Now, Mr. Gambino, how much time do you think you'll need to prepare your case for trial?"
"Only need a few weeks Your Honor."
"Very well." turning to the court clerk he said, "Rosie, let's get this scheduled for three weeks from today. Gentlemen, three weeks from today. Same time, same place. Court adjourned." he said smacking the gavel in the desk.
"All rise." Rusty bellowed. Everyone stood while Judge Arceneaux disappeared into his chambers. Ready or not, Luke's trial would begin in three very short weeks.
Beca's Hospital Room
Memorial Medical Center
"What's taking so long?" Beca pouted as she checked the clock and laid her head back on Jesse's chest.
Rubbing her arm, Jesse said, "Babe, the nurse will be in soon. Just close your eyes for a minutes."
"I can't. If I close my eyes I see him."
"Baby, he's in jail -"
"For how long Jess?"
Holding her tighter to his chest he said, "He can't hurt you anymore."
Minutes later Abby, Beca's nurse came in with her discharge papers and instructions. After going over everything with her, Abby called for an orderly to bring a wheelchair to the room. Because Jesse promised that he wouldn't leave Beca, he waited with her until the orderly got there to escort them out. Once they were at the entrance, Jesse left Beca just long enough to get the truck and come back. Luckily the truck wasn't far and she was able to see him the entire time. As a precautionary measure, Tripp arranged for a police escort home.
After getting Beca settled in the truck, they were on the way. They drove through the streets of town and came to a stop at the red light by the courthouse. As luck would have it, who would be getting escorted from the courthouse at that exact moment? Luke was fighting the officers as they tried putting him in the backseat of the cop car.
"Beca...baby, don't look at him." Jesse said as he squeezed her hand. "Beca, look at me. Look into my eyes."
"I wish I could look away, but I need to see him in the back of that car."
It was at that moment that Luke looked up and saw Beca. "This isn't over Beca! I'll do it right next time...I promise!" he yelled.
A/N: So, we're into the legal stuff. There's a lot more to come and I sincerely hope it's not a bore. Thanks to all of you for reading and reviewing. Y'all are truly amazing!
waatp: A special thank you for always being a constant source of support. You. Are. SO. Awesome.
Jesse sang "The Nearness of You" by Norah Jones.